I am very grateful to you for the sending of your open letter to Federal President Rau with the enclosed documents. I remember the conversation that Mrs Griesshaber and I had with you in connection with our trip to Iran and I was also witness to your brother’s appearance at the Berlin conference of the Böll Society.

I am one of those who spoke out against a rash condemnation of President Khatami and his visit to Germany. In retrospect, however, I have increasing doubts about whether the suitable path has been found, one that shifts between a clear support of the current president in the hope that his evolutionary politics are indeed the only option that Iran has at this moment, and a firmer clarification of what the western democracies expect of him. Your letter reinforces my opinion that we were not good enough. I will consult the working committee about your letter.Yours sincerely,Dr. Helmut Lippelt